Shaking Out the Good Stuff — Keep an Eye Out for Godwinks

Every week on Monday we showcase a "feel-good" story in Acadiana as part of our Shaking Out the Good Stuff feature, presented by Morton Salt Weeks Island.

It's an idea from the latter about showing everyone how wonderful the people here in South Louisiana are.

In the past, we've informed you about non-profit organizations, upcoming benefits, philanthropic groups, individuals doing community-minded work, and the like.

Today, I've got a bit of a different angle. It's something that happened over the weekend that warmed my heart and I thought it may do the same for me.

So yesterday, me and my bride, Allison, celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. It was a low-key day. We just spent some time at home (as empty nesters) relaxing and doing very little.

Ok, very little for me meant yelling at the Saints and that sub-par performance, but I digress. The day was still wonderful.

We did get out in the evening to have a nice anniversary at one of our favorite local restaurants, Ruffino's on the River in Lafayette.

Our reservation was for 5:45 pm. We were greeted and seated promptly to enjoy a couple of drinks and a good meal.

Shortly into our dinner, I received a text from my first cousin, Laura. It was simply a picture of a beautiful rainbow that was showing its glory in Lafayette. I showed it to my wife and we both smiled.

Then for some reason, I noticed the time. It was exactly 6:30 pm.

Then it hit me. 23 years prior, to the minute, I was rolling up to Allison and I's wedding ceremony with my parents and my best man Dustin, only to notice a vibrant, beautiful rainbow framed over the church.

It had just poured for several minutes right before that. And I was thinking, "Oh gosh, please God, don't let the rain ruin our wedding night." But after it deluged for a while, the rain abruptly stopped, and that picture-worthy rainbow showed its glory to all.

I didn't ask my cousin why she sent that picture to me yesterday. Maybe she wanted me to share with our radio audience. Or maybe she just thought I needed that picture at that particular moment.

Whatever her reason, I took it as a Godwink. You know, a moment when you feel a connection with God, or you experience a moment of grace or hope.

Some view Godwinks as coincidental. I don't. I see them as the Good Lord giving you affirmation that you're doing some things good in life and you deserve a thumbs up from the big guy upstairs.

I'll take it as such.

Thanks, cousin Laura for sharing the Godwink.

And thanks to my bride, Allison, for an amazing 23 years of love, adventure, and sometimes most importantly, laughter. I love you!